As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “Remember Your Strength: A Restorative Memoir” by Penda James.
The author, Penda L. James is a Christian author, coach, and speaker known for her resilience and faith. Raised in Dayton, Ohio, she was inspired by family, music, and poetry. Her writing journey began in youth and flourished at Wilberforce University, where she later earned a master’s in education from Bowling Green State University.
The author, Penda’s deep faith shapes her work as a minister’s wife and mentor. She encourages others to stand strong, activate resilience, and pursue their God-given purpose. Through workshops, podcasts, and mentorship, she helps people live and write with faith, purpose, and courage.
Author of books like Free to Fly, Penda supports women in faith, growth, and legacy writing. As a “Scribe Coach,” she helps clients overcome writing blocks and share their stories. Her message: “Your story is your legacy—record it.” With experience, education, and faith, she empowers women to lead and rise above adversity.
“Remember Your Strength: A Restorative Memoir” by Penda James is a faith-based journey through grief, identity, and healing. Penda shares journal entries and personal stories, beginning with the sudden loss of her parents and the pressures of being a minister’s wife—challenges that deeply tested her faith.
Structured around four lessons—Stand on Your Faith, Declare Your Power, Activate Your Resilience, and Write Your Blueprint—Penda guides readers through spiritual growth. Each chapter explores how God’s presence helped her find strength, reclaim identity, and move forward with purpose.
The tone is tender and reflective, blending narrative, poetry, and honest moments of pain with hope. Penda openly shares her struggles, always returning to God’s faithfulness. Her call to readers: reflect, write, and remember how God has carried you.
Core themes include faith, authenticity, and resilience. Penda encourages letting go of what doesn’t serve you and trusting God’s plan. Inspired by a friend’s courage, she emphasizes sisterhood and transformation—reminding readers that every hardship holds the potential for a comeback.
The book speaks especially to women in leadership or ministry, like pastors’ wives, but its message applies to anyone feeling overwhelmed. Penda affirms that faith offers strength, helping readers see their resilience and step into healing with renewed courage.
Throughout “Remember Your Strength: A Restorative Memoir,” Penda L. James’s faith shines as a healing balm. She models how to activate resilience by reflecting, praying, and even writing one’s story, all while trusting God’s goodness. By the end, readers come away with a blueprint of faith and courage to live out their calling, just as Penda has found the freedom to live authentically in hers.
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